Chad Lehrmann

Two people stood atop the same mountain, at the same time, and saw the same view.

The first person noticed the sunrise, but was immediately drawn to the way the light showed exactly how high up they were. They noticed the green valleys, but focused on the slippery snow covered slopes, ripe for an avalanche in just the right conditions. They saw the slippery shale, and thought of how easily an ankle could be turned, and when they noticed all the boulders, they thought of all the ways a concussion could affect their descent from the precipice. They were filled with fear and dread, overwhelmed. Why had they ever wandered to this point?

The second person took the beautiful sunset in, and relished the feeling that being this high up made them the tallest thing around for miles. Oh, how much they could see! Farther down the slope, they could see the green slopes, and while navigating that slippery snow would take care and caution, the excitement would be invigorating, and the results worth it. They drew a charge when thinking about how they would have to be surefooted and agile to navigate the shale, and imagined all the fun ways they could descend from the precipice- maybe even bounding off one of those boulders in celebration. They were filled with expectation and eagerness. Why had they waited so long to do this?

It is all about perspective. Educators, we stand on the precipice, this the night before our students return. Do see the pitfalls and think them too dangerous- or just the right amount of stretch? Do you see the long journey and think about how tired- or how fulfilled- you will be in May?

I am sharing my "theme video" for this year. Yes, it has my new favorite song I have been talking about. It also features lots of pictures of my fellow staff at College Station High School. But please, take the message for yourself. Enjoy the precipice- but may you enjoy the journey to come even more.

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I teach Psychology, Sociology, World History Honors and Debate at College Station High School, as well as coach the debate team, sponsor the TED Ed Club, and I am the Lead Innovator for LEADS CSISD (A student leadership empowerment program for 5th-8th graders). I am an aspiring administrator.